Increase Demand This National Apple Month with Honey-Sweetened Products

Honey Apples

As the crisp, cool air of fall rolls in, there's no better time to celebrate two of nature’s sweetest offerings: apples and honey. National Apple Month, observed each October, is a celebration of the rich heritage and versatility of apples in everything from snacks to baked goods. Pairing apples with honey takes the flavor experience to a whole new level, combining natural sweetness with nourishing goodness.

Consumers love honey and apples for several reasons:

1. All-natural sweetness and flavor. Apples offer a crisp, refreshing sweetness, while honey provides a rich, nuanced flavor, ranging from floral to earthy depending on the varietal. Combined, they create a naturally sweet and satisfying pairing.

2. Nutritional benefits. Both apples and honey are known for their nutritional benefits. Apples are a delicious source of fiber and antioxidants, while research has shown that honey is a source of a wide array of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants. Flavonoids and phenolic acids, which act as antioxidants, are also found in honey.

3. Cultural significance. In many cultures, especially during Jewish holidays like Rosh Hashanah, honey and apples are symbolic of prosperity and hope for a good year ahead.

4. Versatility. Both honey and apples are versatile ingredients in a wide range of products.

This fall, we’re spotlighting honey-infused consumer packaged goods (CPG) that make the most of this perfect pairing. Hopefully you will be inspired to create new delicious, clean label and consumer-friendly options that celebrate the essence of the season.

Honeycrisp Apple Chips: Salted Honey Buzz, Martin’s Family Fruit Farm

How do you improve on a honeycrisp apple? Add honey! Mix in a dash of sea salt, and you have a delicious packaged, gluten-free, non-GMO snack.

Photo Credit: Martin's Family Fruit Farm
Photo Credit: Flax4Life

Apple Cinnamon Granola, Flax4Life

Each bite of this yummy snacking granola is packed full of honey, cinnamon-infused apple pieces, cinnamon and nutmeg. Each serving has 2,610 milligrams of omega-3s, 5 grams of fiber and 4 grams of protein. Apple Cinnamon Granola is gluten-, dairy- and nut-free.

Honey Apple Butter, KYVAN

Made with premium, freshly sliced apples, this Honey Apple Butter is slow cooked in small batches for a rich, robust flavor. The options for this comforting product are endless—from spreading on pork chops to the hero ingredient in apple pies. Plus, there’s no cholesterol or fats.

Photo Credit: KYVAN
Photo Credit: Popinsanity

Apples & Honey Gourmet Popcorn, Popinsanity

A unique flavor combination that blends the sweet, tangy taste of fresh apples with a luscious honey drizzle. Crafted with care in small batches, this popcorn is sure to offer an unforgettable snacking experience perfect for National Apple Month!

Apple Cinnamon Bar, Happy Wolf

Consumers can simply pop these school-safe bars into the fridge and grab as needed. They’re nut-free, whole-food bars sweetened only with honey and dates. Round the flavor profile out with sweetened chocolate chips, cinnamon and vanilla extract, and you have the rich joy of a chocolate brownie but without preservatives, additives or artificial ingredients.

Photo Credit: Happy Wolf

Have you formulated an apple product sweetened with honey? We would love to hear about it! Email [email protected].